The Directors Cut

Directors Cut: Introducing his first Theatrical Release, “Napoleon Dynamite,” Director and Co-Writer Jared Hess maintains a simplistic and direct visual style, although allowing for substantial and well paced storytelling. The seemingly awkward Soundtrack, which collectively illustrates a reflective profile of Characters, is memorable and successful in inspiring the appropriate tones for almost every scene.

Taking place within a setting of rural suburban Idaho, Napoleon Dynamite (Jon Heder) lives with his Grandmother and Middle aged Brother, all of whom provide an unavoidable foil to the apparently disengaged Napoleon. In confronting his predictable school day, Napoleon is himself confronted by a his classmates which, though typical in the roles they play, work to create the canvas of interestingly modeled characters.

As an isolated and underappreciated teenager, Napoleon later befriends Pedro (Efren Ramirez), a reserved and unaware student from Juarez, Mexico, whom together find friendship as they run for class president. Afterwards, in search for their date to their school dance, Napoleon and Pedro discover Deb (Tina Majorino), a soft-spoken and warm-hearted girl whom becomes the center of Napoleons ambitions in life.

In retrospect, the character development of these characters presents a rather contradicting, yet rational closure. Although we are inspired by the sense of satisfaction as these characters find success and fulfillment in their young lives, their apparently seems to be a sense of perseverance towards their personalities.

Director and Writer Jared Hess contrives his Films with such plausible and acceptable characters, which develop into such memorable Cinematic Stages. The Film is unassuming, allowing the viewer to casually be entertained by an otherwise unpredictable and rewarding story of rather aspiring characters. As a Writer, Jared Hess traditionally enjoys portraying underappreciated characters; allowing them a window of opportunity in their lives to aspire to their goals, redeem their self confidence, and get the girl.

Conservatively, however, this concept is reminiscent with the archetype models of most mainstream Hollywood Films. For Director Jared Hess, the portrayal, circumstances, and delivery of his Characters and Storytelling are what allow him such recognizable Cinematic and Literary style. As a Film that was committed by a Cast and Crew of independently motivated Filmmakers, “Napoleon Dynamite” has established itself throughout pop-culture and is extended by a strong following in its original style and humorous references.

Editors Cut: The Supplementary materials include over an hour of Documentary projects, including “On Location: Napoleon Dynamite” and “World Premiere: Jared Hess,” composed of a non-linear montage leading to the Premiere of “Napoleon Dynamite” at the Sundance Film Festival. Addition materials include Extended, Alternate, and Deleted scenes which allow a more casually paced humor initially intended for the Film. Sparing no expense, the Audio Commentary behind these scenes look into the real life stories by Cast and Crew that influenced many scenes throughout “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Providing an even interesting look at the Casting of “Napoleon Dynamite” are the included Audition tapes; which upon review of the secondary Cast Commentary on the Main Feature, will reveal to have substantial relevance beyond simple aesthetics. This holds especial true with regard to Actress Tina Majorino and Actors Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries, whom recall the events leading to their Auditions and their first accounts of their roles. A summery by Casting Director Jory Weitz further illustrates the many creative and experimental processes of the Cast and Director and Co-Writer Jared Hess.

Directed and Written by Jared Hess during his studies in Film and shot over two days, “Peluca” is the Black & White Original Short which inevitably lead to the inspiration of “Napoleon Dynamite.” Audio Commentary by Director Jared Hess and Actor Jon Heder reveal a number of early Story and Character concepts later revised for their Feature Length Film. Living to the “standard” of being “Like, The Best Special Edition Ever!,” the inclusion of “Napoleon (and Pedro) Sightings” reveal a great number of appearances by Actor Jon Heder as Napoleon in sketches from the 2005 MTV Movie Awards, the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, and an Opening of SNL.

However, it should be noted that the most humorous, if not appropriate, are a trio of Television Ads for the Utah State Fair, which feature Actor Efren Ramirez as Pedro. Special mention should be made of the well produced and fully animated menu screens, featuring visual themes and references from the Film with additional sound bites. With Dolby 5.1 Surround, English and Spanish subtitles, and substantial Audio Commentary by Cast and Crew to considerable length.

Final Cut: Overall, “Napoleon Dynamite” has presented itself as a story of very human Characters, which somehow either reflects some part of our nature, or compliments our lack thereof. For Director and Writer Jared Hess, the creative formula and sense of originality are what allow his now anticipating audience to explore these Characters and Stories through Cinema. Truly, the success of “Napoleon Dynamite” speaks to the cultural impact on modern life which independent filmmakers continue to perform.